"The Kautz climb was an incredibly well organized and executed climb. Having guides with such world climbing experience was a huge benefit. They were excellent leaders as well." Anthony

Overview
The Alpine Ascents Four-Day Rainier Climb of the Kautz Glacier is a great next step for climbers who have completed a mountaineering course and want a more relaxed climbing schedule that allows for an additional night to enjoy the mountain. This instructional course/summit climb travels as a fully contained climbing expedition (with up to four guides and eight climbers). We carry our camping, cooking and climbing kits, meaning that each person's pack weight is significantly heavier (65 lbs.) than climber's packs on the Muir route (40 lbs.).

Mt. Rainier (14,410 ft), is the highest volcano and largest glaciated mountain in the contiguous U.S. This alpine giant is famous for its superior climbing as well as its pristine wilderness. The vast glaciers and alpine ridges of Mount Rainier offer challenges for novice and veteran climbers alike. Alpine Ascents provides a diversity of climbs led by renowned professional guides to accommodate climbers of all skill levels.

PREREQUISITES- 60 Pound Pack Required

Climbing Skill Level
This route is for those climbers who performed well on the Emmons Glacier climb or have successfully completed the 8 Day Emmons Glacier Course or the 6 Day North Cascades Mountaineering Course or equivalent training) This is an extremely rigorous four days and being in excellent physical condition is mandatory. One day of skills review is included in the climb. Please note, the guide retains the right, at any point, to determine whether a climber is sufficiently fit to continue the climb.

Physical Conditioning
In the best interest of personal safety, success and team compatibility, adequate training and excellent physical condition are required. A climber must be able to carry an average of 60lbs or more. Climbers need to be in excellent physical condition for both personal enjoyment and to be an integral team member. We encourage you to contact us so that we may assist you in developing a training program that meets your particular needs.

"The program was professional from start to finish - gear check to to return home. The clients' interests were first and foremost...after being an Alpine Ascents client on 4 previous occasions I have come to expect high quality of service and my expectations were met on Mt Rainier." Robert

Why Climb With Alpine Ascents?

Quality of Our Climbs
Alpine Ascents has taken a unique approach to climbing Mount Rainier. Our summit climbs and training programs are oriented not only towards summit success but in giving you instruction in mountaineering techniques that you can use where ever you chose to climb. Our dedication to teaching sound mountaineering practices such as Leave No Trace as well as providing you a better understanding of geology, glaciology and safe climbing are the cornerstone of our company.

GuidesOur guiding team is comprised of world-renowned guides and full-time professional climbers. While some of these guides have historical climbing achievements synonymous with their names, others are well known for their guiding and teaching experience. A number of our guides have been recipients of coveted climbing awards and scholarships. Our guides are an integral part of Alpine Ascents because they understand and share our climbing principles. These individuals are dedicated to sharing their excellence with others. Many of our guides have been with Alpine Ascents for over five years, with a handful of veterans working with us for most of their careers. The quality of our Guide Staff is the primary difference between us and our competitors. The role of an Alpine Ascents guide is to impart knowledge, use calculated judgment and assist individual climber development. Our guides are experienced educators who evaluate their strengths by monitoring climbers' achievements. Thus we stress our acute ability to provide students and expedition members with personal attention, realizing the commitment to assist each climber in obtaining their goals.

Experience
Alpine Ascents has over 20 years experience guiding the world’s highest mountains and 9 years experience guiding on Mount Rainier. From our inception in 1986, the founder, senior administrative staff and several senior guides are still working with Alpine Ascents and leading trips around the world. Our intent is to provide the same level of quality, service, safety and environmental stewardship that has been our trademark throughout the guiding community. (See more about us, our guides and staff)

Guide Ratio
Alpine Ascents offers you a guide ratio of one guide for every two climbers on every summit climb. This allows for increased safety, more individualized instruction and more guides to assist on summit day. Our guides will be teachers and impart knowledge throughout the program.

Seattle Based
Alpine Ascents is the only guide service that drives you round trip Seattle -Mt Rainier – Seattle. Our shuttle eliminates a $200 car rental and a complicated two hour drive each way to the mountain